Body Fat Appreciation Blog

We are always trying to lose or get rid of this thing on our body, however how about we learn more and understand it before we call it names and release the unnecessary type of fat from our bodies.

We need fat around our organs and bones for protection. So let’s be grateful to fat for this essential purpose to help us stay alive. Now, lets look deeper into the types of fat and their functions. “Fat is one of the most fascinating organs out there, and we are only beginning to understand fat” says Aaron Cypess, MD, PhD.

• Fat stores excess energy in a safe way so you can mobilize the fat stores when you are hungry
• Fat releases hormones that control metabolism.
• Absorbs fat soluble Vitamins such as A, D, E, K.
• Maintains our body temperature
• Healthy cells, brain, skin and hair

Fat digestion begins in the stomach with the aid of lingual lipase and gastric lipase. However, the bulk of lipid digestion occurs in the small intestine due to pancreatic lipase. When chyme (broken down food) enters the duodenum, the hormonal responses trigger the release of bile, which is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile aids in the digestion of lipids, primarily triglycerides, by emulsification. Lipases break down the lipids into fatty acids and glycerides.

There are three main types of fatty acids: saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Saturated fatty acids are mostly found in foods of animal origin. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids are mostly found in foods of plant origin and some seafoods. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are of two kinds, omega-3 oromega-6. These fatty acids are used for protein modification, and the resulting metabolism of these fatty acids ends in the production of energy.

Types of Fat in our Body

1. Subcutaneous White Fat: Adipose cells store fat for use as energy are generally found around the body under the skin and also in the abdominal cavity, surrounding the internal organs. We tend to have more of this one:)  The job of white fat is to store energy and produce hormones that are then secreted into the bloodstream. Small fat cells produce a “good” hormone called adiponectin, which makes the liver and muscles sensitive to the hormone insulin.
2. Visceral White Fat: Visceral or “deep” fat wraps around the inner organs and spells trouble for your health.  One of the main reasons visceral fat is so challenging is because of its role in inflammation. Visceral fat secretes precursors to an inflammatory chemical that can make it challenging to lose this fat and can cause many disease symptoms.
3. Brown Fat: It’s known that children have more brown fat than adults, and it’s what helps them keep warm. Brown fat stores decline in adults but still help with warmth. Brown fat have a faster metabolism, better blood sugar control, and higher insulin sensitivity when exposed to cold temperatures. As you age, the activity of your brown fat decreases, which helps explain why there’s a tendency to gain weight with age. However, exercise can assist in maintenance of brown fat.

So as we are releasing more energy from the fat cells this new year, say thank you for all the work you have done for me in the past and good riddance:)

Also, join me in listening in to some of the amazing experts I follow @ The Fat Summit

Stay P.H.A.T, Pretty, Hot And Thankful:)

Heather Fleming, C.C.N